"Hugh is one of those rare individuals who has deep experience in both university and commercial environments," says Professor Colin McLeod, Executive Director of the Melbourne Entrepreneurial Centre.

"He has a PhD in Computer Science, has published over 70 research papers and holds more than 30 patents, and his industry career has included senior management roles with Google, Tinder, eBay and Microsoft in the United States. He invented Infinite Scroll, and wrote a book that sold over 100,000 copies.

"Hugh's appointment as Melbourne Enterprise Professor recognises the enormous contribution he has made to both academia and industry, and complements wonderfully his advisory and philanthropic work."

Dr Williams is already a well-known face at the Melbourne Business School, where he teaches the popular Managing in an Analytics Environment subject in the MBA and Master of Analytics Management degrees.

"Hugh has worked at the very top levels of established tech companies, as well as advising the next generation of disruptors including Domain, DoorDash, Expert360, Ocado, and Moonpig," says Professor Ujwal Kayande, Associate Dean (Academic) and Director of the Centre for Business Analytics.

"He's also well-known in the Australian startup scene, having recently taken a role as a venture partner at Rampersand and through mentoring companies at Startmate.

"Having Hugh's experience at Melbourne Business School has been an incredible asset for our students, including helping them secure roles at companies including Amazon and Google after completing their studies.

"Hugh's influence and global reach in the technology sector has been pivotal for the Centre for Business Analytics. I'm excited that this new appointment will see him share his expertise across the University."

Dr Williams is also a board member of State Library Victoria, and spends much of his time on his own philanthropic endeavour, CS in Schools. CS in Schools brings industry computing professionals into school classrooms to help teachers improve their skills in teaching coding to secondary students.